Number one: Joe Hart is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Joe Hart

There was only going to be one winner in this clash, with Hart proving to be number one against the often-erratic Julio Cesar.

Hart has established himself as one of the best in Europe, and despite Cesar enjoying a fine first campaign in the Premier League his performances couldn’t keep QPR up. If Brazil had any better options, he’d be relegated straight back to the bench.

On paper there’s not too much difference between these two, with both known to enjoy bombing forward and trying to score goals – as well as being light on their feet.

But Alves is an all-round better player and, with his ability to score a mean free-kick or provide a match-winning cross, he has an extra bit of bite that Johnson lacks.

RIGHT CENTRE BACK: Gary Cahill v David Luiz

Reliable: Gary Cahill is a played who can be trusted (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Gary Cahill

This is a battle that has raged all season at club level, with Cahill and Luiz both duelling for the right to partner Branislav Ivanovic in the Chelsea backline.

On the international stage, Luiz has come on leaps and bounds but there are still question-marks over his reliability when under pressure, meaning Mr Consistent Cahill wins this round.

LEFT CENTRE BACK: Phil Jagielka v Thiago Silva

Class act: Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders in the world (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Thiago Silva

Everton captain Jageilka is one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League, but he struggles to compete with classy centre-back Silva.

The PSG ace is one of the finest in his position in the world and he rarely looks more at home than he does with the Brazil armband wrapped around his bicep. A classy, composed defender who’s useful on the ball, Silva would arguably walk into any national team.

LEFT-BACK: Ashley Cole v Marcelo

Good going forward and in defence: Ashley Cole has years of experience (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Ashley Cole

Having brought up 100 caps for his country in recent weeks, Cole has proven himself a quality defender time and time again and easily wins this battle.

Madrid man Marcelo is not the finished product and has improved but, unlike Cole, he lacks concentration, is inconsistent and his defensive work is suspect.

Another very tight battle, with Hernanes impressing plenty with his ability to break up attacks and run the engine room like a boss.

But Carrick has been outstanding for years at United and is arguably enjoying his best season yet. His return to the international stage has been a delight, and his better passing ability sees him overtake the Lazio man to claim victory here.

Another battle between Chelsea team-mates, this time it’s experience versus youth as Lampard takes on Oscar.

Both have had their spells in and out of the Blues lineup this term but based on overall influence for club and country, Lampard has to edge ahead. Oscar has a bright future in the game, but is not ready to turn in the kind of performances Super Frank does week in, week out.

RIGHT WINGER: Theo Walcott v Neymar

Wonderkid: Neymar is an exciting world talent (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Neymar

Walcott’s improvement for Arsenal in the last 12 months has been notable, but Neymar’s star just keeps on rising.

The forward will join Barcelona in the summer and, despite some suspect performances for Santos and his country in recent matches, he is still one of the best around on his day and will only get better. He is primed to deliver.

STRIKER: Wayne Rooney v Fred

All rounder: Wayne Rooney can score all kinds of goals (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Wayne Rooney

Fred had bounced back from the striker scrap heap to enjoy a blossoming finish to his career, but the bulky hitman is not a match for all-rounder Rooney.

Rooney is seemingly relishing the extra responsibility he has in the national team and can score all kinds of goals – as opposed to penalty-box poacher Fred.

LEFT WINGER: Danny Welbeck v Hulk

Power: Hulk brings power and pace plus goals (Picture: Getty)

Winner: Hulk

Sir Alex Ferguson said Welbeck is set for a huge career in the game but despite his pace and power, he has a woeful goals return.

Zenit’s £52million man-mountain Hulk bases his game on the same qualities as Welbeck but, crucially, he is a fantastic goalscorer so wins this round.